UVM v Syracuse

College Search & Selection
1

Hi! So I am currently in between two schools, Syracuse and University of Vermont, with May 1st quickly approaching.

Originally, SU had been my first choice, but then I decided to apply to UVM because I got a application fee waiver. I applied and got in to both schools, and received scholarships in both. UVM offered me way more money, but I also got work study at SU, and got into the honors program. I visited UVM and really liked the laid back atmosphere, but social scene is really important for my and I’m worried UVM is almost too laid back. The academics at UVM weren’t very impressive either. I would go to SU, but I’m worried the greek scene is also too overwhelming there. I’m from NJ and I’m also concerned that there will be a lot of people from NJ there as well, and I’m also hesitant to do work study when UVM is already offering me so much money in grants and scholarships.

Ok, I think thats pretty much my dilemma, and insight helps!!!
Thanks!!

2
  1. Your concern that there will be a lot of Garden Staters at Syracuse would seem to be valid and understandable. Even people from NJ apparently aren't wild about people from NJ. Point for UVM.
  2. More money without work study. Point for UVM
  3. UVM is laid-back and social without overwhelming greek scene. Point for UVM
  4. I'm trying to picture a social scene that isn't good because it's "too laid back." What are you envisioning? Everybody is too high to attend a hockey game?
  5. Like just about everybody else in the world, I haven't attended both, so I can't tell you whether the academics at UVM are weaker, but they would seem to be in the same general level (except S.U. is supposed to be great in journalism).
  6. I've been to Syracuse and I've been to Burlington, and Burlington looks like it's a lot better place to live. I don't get why you're having any trouble at all with this decision unless you like bigtime basketball programs that are on probation or you are majoring in journalism.
3

Agreed, UVM and SU are pretty much in same category in terms of academics, but I don’t think you would be disappointed in UVM social scene, and Burlington is 1000x nicer than Syracuse